Nanosilica for head lice control

ORTEGA INSAURRALDE I; VASSENA C; TOLOZA A; PICOLLO MI

Conferencia; 5th International Conference on Phthiraptera; 2014

Nanostructured inorganic compounds are considered as environmentally friendly alternativesfor insect pests. Nanomaterials are defined as materials that have at least one dimension <100 nm and because of their surface-volume ratios, they exhibit chemical, physical and biological properties distinctly different from the same materials in the bulk form.Methodology. 20 μl of different solutions of Aerosil®(nanostructured silicon dioxide) were applied directly on the louse. Then, the louse was observed for knockdown (10 min.) and mortality (18 h).Results. We observed 65±6% louse mortality of the product in concentrations equal or higher than 0,1%; and 100%mortality in synergized lotions containing isopropyl myristate.Nanoparticles attached to the cuticle of treated insects were visible by scanningelectron microscope.Conclusions. It is proposed that nanosilicas were absorbed into the cuticular lipids and caused death of insects purely by physical means. As a result of this research we developed a highly effective pediculicide lotion based on silica nanoparticles (NOPUCID CRYSTAL®) which is actually marketed by ELEA Laboratory in Argentine